Cases of RSV among children are rising in New York, which hasn’t happened since April, so parents are concerned.
The drastic rise in cases seems to be because things have returned to normal after COVID-19 precautions started being lifted.
According to CNY Central, the best thing a parent can do is pay close attention to their children’s breathing.
RSV in New York State
Kids and babies are the ones seeing the biggest increase for cases of RSV.
Children with conditions like asthma are at a greater risk for severe cases of RSV.
Wheezing, odd or fast breathing, or kids not acting like themselves are the biggest things to look out for.
Unfortunately, when it comes to prevention, there isn’t a whole lot that can be done.
Good hygiene and hand washing will help, and if your child is sick do not send them to school. Teaching them to cover their mouth when they cough is important to help stop it from spreading as well.
Be proactive by getting in touch with your child’s doctor as soon as they start showing symptoms before you rush to an emergency room.
If your child is showing distress, go to the ER.
Older adults are also at risk of severe RSV, but that population isn’t seeing it the way children and infants are right now.
The following children are at the highest risk for severe illness
- Premature infants
- Very young infants, especially those 6 months and younger
- Children younger than 2 years old with chronic lung disease or congenital (present from birth) heart disease
- Children with weakened immune systems
- Children who have neuromuscular disorders, including those who have difficulty swallowing or clearing mucus secretions
Signs of RSV in infants
- Irritability
- Decreased activity
- Decreased appetite
- Apnea (pauses while breathing)
Not all cases of RSV will have a fever.
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